Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, has said it bestowed an honorary Doctorate Degree on aviation expert and philanthropist Captain Evarest Nnaji because of his “life of hard work, sacrifice, unwavering commitment to human development and support for academic excellence”.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Very Reverend Father Professor Christian Aneke, stated this in the aftermath of the investiture, which took place last Saturday.
Prof Anieke praised Capt Nnaji’s contributions to education and community development.
The university, in a citation, said Captain Nnaji “had transformed destinies through benevolence, granting scholarships to hundreds of indigent students from secondary to university level and intervening in hospital bills of indigent patients across many hospitals.”
The university noted that Captain Nnaji had deepened his involvement in the university’s growth.
It said, “On October 13, 2025, Nnaji was appointed to the Board of Godfrey Okoye University Teaching Hospital, following a recommendation by the Board of Trustees and approval by the institution’s proprietor, Bishop Callistus Onaga.”
Captain Nnaji described the honour “as profoundly meaningful”. In his words, “Receiving this honorary Doctorate Degree is one of the greatest honours of my life, not because of the title ‘Doctor’ but because of where it is coming from.”
He thanked the Vice Chancellor, Senate and Awards Committee for finding him deserving. He also thanked his family for their love, prayers, encouragement, and sacrifices. “This honour belongs to you as much as it belongs to me,” he said.
Nnaji had encouraged the students of the university to always believe in their dreams. He told them to: “Stay disciplined, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of hard work. With determination, faith, and consistency, nothing is impossible.”
He added, “Greatness is not defined by titles, but by the lives we touch. This honour strengthens my resolve to keep contributing to society, to empower the younger generation, and to inspire progress.”
He said he accepted the honorary degree after declining others, because “this one is rooted in trust and shared values”.
According to him, “I needed to associate with people who have genuine intentions, and that intention is what’s driving me to be part of them. I’m ready to continue to support the university because you can see that they’re doing great things. They’ve produced the best students in many fields, and that is what we need from South Eastern Nigeria.”
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr Callistus Onaga, had recounted Chief Nnaji’s consistent support for the university over the years, and called for emulation.
NEWSNGR reports that Captain Nnaji is FAA (USA) and NCAA (Nigeria) licensed pilot, and the Group Chairman of OAS Helicopters, a leading conglomerate in Nigeria’s oil and gas aviation sector.
Leave a Comment